Final results in the Carterton District Council elections show strong voter engagement and a competitive field for both the mayoralty and council seats.
Download the DECLARATION OF RESULT [PDF]
Geri Brooking, acting Chief executive of Carterton District Council, said the high turnout demonstrates continued local commitment to democracy.
“We’re pleased to see more than half of our community participating. Carterton continues to show that local voices matter, and that residents are willing to take the time to shape the future of their District.”
Carterton’s 53.36% turnout remains one of the strongest in the country and higher than many Districts of similar size.
The Vote 2025 campaign emphasised local participation, accessibility, and community visibility.
The progress turnout of 41.68% earlier on election day reflected steady early engagement, which increased sharply during the final days of voting.
The Mayoral and Council contests show Carterton’s reputation for close races, with a strong mix of incumbents and new candidates polling competitively.
Final Results
The final voter return stands at 53.36%, with 4159 votes received out of 7,719 eligible electors.
The progress results, representing approximately 85% of votes counted as of Saturday 11 October, indicated a 41.68% turnout, or 3,217 votes, excluding special votes and those still in transit.
Mayoralty
The mayoral race was notably close, with all three candidates achieving over 1,100 votes in the preliminary count — a reflection of the community’s diverse perspectives and strong civic interest.
Steve Cretney is confirmed as the new Mayor of Carterton District.
| Candidate | Affiliation | Votes (Progress) | Votes (Preliminary) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Cretney | Ratepayers Do Have a Voice! | 1,341 | 1,684 |
| Brian Deller | Independent | 923 | 1,141 |
| Simon Casey | Independent | 877 | 1,123 |
| Informal | — | — | 4 |
| Blank | — | — | 102 |
Council (At Large, 8 Seats)
The Council – At Large race was also tightly contested, with a close grouping of results among the leading candidates.
| Candidate | Affiliation | Votes (Full Ordinary) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lou Newman | Independent | 2,687 | |
| Grace Ayling | — | 2,388 | |
| Steve Cretney | Withdrawn | 2,173 | Withdrawn (elected as Mayor) |
| Jane Burns | Independent | 2,003 | |
| Steve Laurence | — | 1,995 | |
| Brian Deller | Independent | 1,986 | |
| Steve Gallon | — | 1,938 | |
| Simon Casey | Independent | 1,716 |
What happens next
- The Inaugural Council Meeting is scheduled to be held on 29 October, where members will make their official declarations and appoint key positions, including Deputy Mayor and committee chairs.
- Electoral expenses will be published in December.